Exploris NIE Seal Sanctuary

The view from the nursery pond at the Exploris NIE Seal Sanctuary, a purpose-built facility for the rescue, rehabilitation and release of orphaned, injured and sick common and grey seal pups at Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, one of Northern Ireland's top tourist attractions.

Pictured (and most definitely heard on the full-screen version of this panorama!) alongside Exploris' Andy is Banoffee, rescued from Ballyhornan on the 15th of July, on the rocks in the background is Tapioca, rescued from Portrush by the Countryside Centre on the 13th of October, and, last but not least, just about visible in the water is Pavlova, rescued from Castletown Harbour on the Isle of Man by the Manx Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on the 21st of October.

Opened in 1999, the Ards Borough Council, Northern Ireland Electricity and Northern Ireland Tourist Board funded sanctuary is the only facility of its kind in Northern Ireland. In addition to the nursery pond, the sanctuary comprises six quarantine pens with one-way glass allowing the pups to be seen while their initial treatment is being conducted, a food preparation room and a large pond incorporating a unique underwater viewing area.

Special thanks to Howard Scott, General Manager, for facilitating this fascinating glimpse into a truly unique facility.

Europe / UK-Northern Ireland

Lat: 54° 22' 57" N
Long: 6° 33' 57" W

→ maps.google.com [EXT]

Precision is: Medium. Nearby, but not to the last decimal.